May 31, 2024

Tornado Kits and Cleaning Kits Delivered to Greenfield, Iowa After Tornado

Iowa has experienced a devastating spring with over 85 tornadoes occurring so far in 2024. This is 30+ more than the average number of tornadoes that occur in a year. 


On May 24, an EF4 tornado struck Greenfield, Iowa and surrounding towns. We mourn with those who lost their loved ones, homes, and community. 


Disasters disrupt the norm. Communities are changed forever as they come together to piece together what is left, and support one another in the efforts to begin rebuilding their community. The damage cannot be undone, but we can care for the needs of those who are suffering.


We can’t begin to provide all that is needed (physically, emotionally, and spiritually…), but we can do our part to bring hope in the midst of a crisis, in Christ’s name.

The Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church requested Tornado Kits and Cleaning Kits to help after the disaster. 


Because of your generosity, Midwest Mission was prepared to respond.


On Tuesday, May 28, Ramon Ortiz, Operations Specialist, drove a trailer full of supplies to Greenfield. With your help, we were able to send 32 Tornado Kits and 324 Cleaning Kits (see what is included in the Kits at midwestmission.org/kits).


“As I drove through Greenfield to drop off supplies at the community center, I was in shock at the level of devastation,” Ramon said. “The town was wiped out. A community member who was receiving the Kits was telling me that the tornado literally twisted the foundations of the houses. They lost so much. But, it was encouraging to see the community come together and care for each other. Friends and families were opening their homes to those who lost everything.”


Please join us in praying for the victims of the storm, and for families who lost loved ones. In the midst of the crisis, there is hope. We are blessed to be a blessing to those who have lost everything. 

Shipment of Supplies will Provide Help Both Internationally and Domestically

Tuesday was a busy day. Not only did we send disaster relief to Iowa, we also sent a shipment that will serve both Arizona and Mexico.


The wonderful part of partnership is that the connections are endless. For several years, we have worked with North Star Foundation. They have assisted us in getting supplies to Ukraine, Turkiye, Syria, Poland, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and more! Their mission aligns with ours, and together, we can do a lot of good in the world. 


Most recently, North Star Foundation connected us with an organization called Global Citizen USA, based out of Chicago, IL. Our first shipment to Global Citizen USA will be distributed to those in need in both Arizona and Mexico. Global Citizen serves refugees, homeless, and those in poverty in the area. 


Included in the shipment:

  • 4,571 Blankets
  • 3,063 lbs of Clothing from Mission Central in Mechanicsburg, PA
  • 36,000 Rice Meals


Every single Rice Meal in the building went on this shipment. These meals will feed 216,000 people who are in need. Praise God!


Thank you to everyone who participated in a Rice Meal Pack – this wouldn’t have been possible without you! If you are interested in hosting a Rice Meal Pack at your location, visit midwestmission.org/off-site.

United Methodist Annual Conferences

Every year, Midwest Mission staff members and volunteers travel to several United Methodist Conferences in May and June. This year, we will be at ten conferences!


At several of the conferences, we will have a truck for collections! We will accept any items listed in our Kits and Projects Brochure.


This past week, we were in Minnesota, Michigan, and West Ohio. Next week, we will be in Indiana, Iowa, Illinois Great Rivers, and Wisconsin. We look forward to seeing you there!


To see details on where we will be and when, visit midwestmission.org/annual-conferences.

Our 2023 Impact Report is available for download! Using the button below, you can download the report and share with someone you know!

Download

May Church Bulletin Insert

We offer monthly church bulletin inserts that you can slide in your church's bulletin. These inserts keep your congregation up-to-date on our current needs and upcoming events!

Download May Bulletin PDF

You can purchase these items at your local store and take them to Midwest Mission or a Collection Site near you. You can also buy items online and have them shipped right to Midwest Mission.


Onesies

(We are in BIG need of Onesies!! Please purchase when you are out, or click the link below.)

Size 0 - 6 Months, New

click here to purchase online


Day and Night Pads

You can make them at home using our patterns — click here and scroll down to Feminine Hygiene Kit. Tips and tricks: Click here to visit the page


Or, you can purchase them online and have them sent to Midwest Mission — Click here!

Prayers to Lift Up

As we enter conference season, please be praying for our staff and volunteers who will be driving many miles over the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing everyone during conferences!


"The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night."

Psalm 121:5-6

Midwest Mission Weekly Projects

Work of the Mission Volunteers


Work Done

  • 350 Layette Kits
  • 46 Bikes
  • 36 Cleaning Kits
  • 18 Desks
  • Bagging wipes
  • Desk Shop
  • Poly Shop
  • Unload bleacher wood
  • Groundskeeping
  • Off-site pack prep
  • Cleaning
  • Bike Shop




Midwest Mission is able to do this work because of your generous donations and willingness to volunteer. Thank you!



Share some GOD news with those you love!

Do you have family or friends that need some GOOD News - GOD News - to uplift them? If so please click on the button below and share the link provided. The more we can spread the word about the work God is doing here, the more we can make the world a happier place.

Link to Share the Midwest Mission Newsletter

Ready to Get Involved?

Here are three ways you can get involved at Midwest Mission:


1. Host an Off-Site Event


We have several hands-on mission opportunities you can host at your location! Visit midwestmission.org/off-site to learn more. Contact Melissa Brookens at 217-483-7911 or melissa@midwestmission.org to book your event or for questions.


2. Serve From Home


You can serve people around the world from right at home! From sewing, to assembling kits, there's something for everyone. Learn how at midwestmission.org/at-home.

3. Volunteer at Midwest Mission

We have dates available in 2024 and 2025! Have questions or need assistance in booking? Contact Pat Wright at  pat@midwestmission.org or 217-697-4063. 


Click here to check calendar openings and to reserve your spots.



2025 and 2026 Volunteer Calendar is open for dorm reservations!


Go to our Reservation Calendar, log in, reserve your rooms, and submit payment for your Non-refundable Reservation Fee via credit card or electronic check. We will email you the Access Code to reserve Volunteer Shifts for your team. You must complete this step for your team to volunteer at Midwest Mission.


For local teams and individuals: Volunteer Shifts will only be available 3 months ahead of time. For example, December 1, 2023 you will be able to reserve Volunteer Shifts for March of 2024.



Midwest Mission Iowa

If you would like to do the Midwest Mission Experience at our Jefferson, IA location, visit midwestmission.org/iowa - or reach out to Melissa Brookens.

Volunteers at Work

May 28-31, 2024

Volunteer Leaders

Mike and Jane Strayer

Valparaiso, IN

Volunteer Teams

Illinois

Union Reunion

St. Louis, MO

Micah and Annabella Mohler

St. Louis, MO

Midland First UMC

Midland, MI

Bedford First UMC

Bedofrd, IN

Oakwood & Catlin UMC's

Oakwood & Catlin, IL

We are so grateful for all our local and regular volunteers, and the time they give towards volunteering at Midwest Mission. We appreciate their passion and dedication to the ministry!

Click Here for the UMVIM NCJ Newsletter
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